Jobs for Febuary
Gardening Tasks for February: Preparing for the Season Ahead
February is a month of transition in the garden. While winter still lingers, there are clear signs that spring is on the way. It’s a time to start getting organised, begin early sowing, and take advantage of any milder days to get ahead.
Planting & Sowing
You can begin sowing early vegetables such as broad beans, onions, and leeks, either indoors or under cover. Hardy annual flowers can also be started off in trays. If conditions allow, plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and hedging while they are still dormant.
Lawn Care
Avoid walking on frozen or waterlogged lawns, but use milder days to gently rake away debris and moss. Towards the end of the month, you may be able to give the lawn a light trim if growth has started and conditions are suitable.
Borders & Beds
Cut back remaining dead growth from perennials and tidy borders in preparation for spring. Weed whenever the soil is workable, and apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve structure.
Fruit & Veg
Finish pruning apple and pear trees before growth begins. Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes, and start chitting seed potatoes ready for planting next month. Prepare vegetable beds by digging in organic matter if the soil isn’t too wet.
Greenhouse & Pots
Begin using your greenhouse more actively for seed sowing. Keep it clean and well-ventilated on brighter days. Protect seedlings from cold nights with fleece or propagator lids, and water carefully to avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Maintenance
Prune roses before new growth starts, removing dead or weak stems and shaping the plant. Cut back winter-flowering shrubs once they’ve finished blooming. Check and repair garden structures, fences, and tools so everything is ready for the busy months ahead.
Wildlife & General Care
Continue feeding birds and providing fresh water. Early flowers like snowdrops and hellebores are invaluable for pollinators—consider adding more to your garden. Be mindful of wildlife that may still be sheltering in undisturbed areas.
Weather Watch
Keep an eye on frost and cold snaps. Protect vulnerable plants with fleece and avoid working the soil when it’s frozen or waterlogged to prevent damage to its structure.
Final Thoughts
February is all about preparation and getting ahead. A few well-timed jobs now will make the transition into spring smoother and more productive.
The garden is beginning to stir—make the most of brighter days and get ready for the growing season just around the corner